‘EDUCATIONAL yet entertaining’ was the view of two apprentices who had the rare chance of shadowing an MP around Parliament last week.

Northbrook’s Jessica Cleary and Amiee Ross shadowed East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton and watched a lively Prime Minister’s Questions as part of the 21 Days campaign. They were also joined by Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley and Worthing mayor and mayoress Bob Smytherman and Norah Fisher.

Jessica, 19, said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable day full of insight and intrigue, being educational yet entertaining, all at the same time.”

Amiee, 31, added: “It was an amazing day, filled with new understanding. The common image of Parliament was blown away, replaced forever with the knowledge and first-hand view of a dedicated group of heartfelt, genuine and down-to-earth people.” The day started with watching a debate on the rights of patients with autism and mental health, before a tour of Parliament and viewing PMQs.

And one of the hot topics of the day was National Apprenticeships Week – one of the key parts of the 21 Days campaign. Mr Loughton said his apprentices were a testament to the strength of the college’s programme. He said: “I was delighted to welcome Jessica and Amiee to the House of Commons on Wednesday as part of Apprenticeship week.

“They both showed a real appetite to learn more about Parliament and I believe they gained a good insight into the processes here.

“Northbrook College has played an integral role in promoting apprenticeships in Worthing, which is exactly what the Government wants to see happening, and these two Northbrook students were a testament to how successful they can be.”